But in the case that you forget to do so, or if locked car doors don't impede a thief from breaking in the vehicle, remember this: hide the car manual.

Some drivers even take the manual out of the car.

According to police, it's one of the most important things car thieves need to get away with your car.

"The owner's manual has a special PIN number, sometimes your registration and VIN, and (thieves) will try to contact (the) manufacturer to get (the) keys replaced," said Indian Shores Police Chief Terry Hughes. "And most times, the owner's manual still has a valet key in there, and (car owners) don't know it's in there."

Hughes said there are different pages in each car's manual that tell car owners what to do if they lose their key. The manual also provides important vehicle information.

"They’ll get (the) VIN number off that paperwork (and) call the dealer to see what type of paperwork they need to get spare key,” said Hughes.

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